Support Worker

Dementia devastates lives. By 2021, 1 million people will be living with the condition. But dementia won't win. Until the day we find a cure, we will be here for anyone affected by dementia - wherever they are, whatever they're going through. Everything we do is informed and inspired by them.

We are the UK's leading dementia charity. Every day, we work tirelessly to find new treatments and, ultimately, a cure for dementia. We provide expert information, training, and support services to all those who need our help. And we are creating a more dementia-friendly society so people with the condition can live without fear and prejudice.

Position: Dementia Support Worker
Location: Kingston Upon Thames, London
Contract type: Part Time, Permanent
Hours: 28 per week
Salary: £19,514 actual per annum

Closing date: 04 July 2019
Interview date: 10 July 2019

About the role:

The role is to support people affected by dementia in the Borough of Kingston upon Thames. The successful candidate will provide support to people with dementia and their carers helping to maintain their independence, improving their sense of well-being, and putting them in more control of their lives. You will assist people with dementia and their carers to identify their needs and to access services. You will also be required to market the Dementia Support Service and develop a network of support from health and care professionals who will refer people with a diagnosis to the service at the earliest opportunity.

The role will involve managing referrals, assisting clients in assessing their information and support needs, facilitate peer support groups, working closely with health and social care and other voluntary agencies in Kingston, and will maintain and manage a caseload of clients who have dementia or are affected by dementia. Information and support may be by phone, email, letter, or face to face, at the client’s home or other appropriate locations. When appropriate, you will signpost clients to a choice of suitable other sources of help and will maintain accurate, up to date client support plans and client contact records. You will seek and record client feedback to understand whether needs are being met, and to plan any necessary adjustments, and will work as part of an information and support team, providing cover for colleagues at agreed times or in unforeseen circumstances, as appropriate.

It is imperative to comply with the data protection regulations, ensuring that information on clients remains confidential and to work in a manner that facilitates inclusion, particularly of people with dementia.

About you:

We are looking for individuals educated to NVQ level 3 or equivalent (or demonstrable experience) with the following skills (those marked with a * are desirable):

- Good organising and time management skills
- Experience of face-to-face service delivery
- An understanding of dementia*
- An understanding of the needs of people with dementia and their carers*
- Experience of working with statutory and voluntary agencies *
- Knowledge of relevant local legislation.
- Experience of record keeping and report writing
- An understanding of the need for client confidentiality

A good standard of IT skills is a pre-requisite of the role. You will also need to be able to travel the area independently.

Our employees work hard every day to make a real difference in people's lives. We are proud to support them with a range of benefits, recognition and many options for working agilely, all contributing to a strong work life balance. We also have various learning programmes to support you in your development and help you grow to realise your potential and shape a career with us.

The organisation embraces diversity, inclusion and accessibility for all of our people. We are committed to building a diverse organisation that represents the communities we serve and ensuring inclusion in everything we do.

You may have experience of the following: Dementia Support Worker, Care Assistant, Caseworker, Special Needs Assistant, Social Worker, Social Care, Community Care, Helpline Coordinator, Volunteering Officer, Support Worker, Dementia Adviser, Mental Health, Dementia etc.